Location-based operational control of a transmitter

ABSTRACT

A method includes receiving location, retrieving geo-fence data from a geo-fence database corresponding to a boundary of a jurisdiction, and automatically selecting between a first or second frequency band satellite transmitter based on the comparison.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application and claims priority fromU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,314, entitled “LOCATION-BASEDOPERATIONAL CONTROL OF A TRANSMITTER,” filed on Mar. 14, 2013, which isincorporated herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Satellite systems may communicate using various bands of theelectromagnetic spectrum. Each band has various advantages anddisadvantages. For instance, conventional band (C-band) transmissionsmay be less affected by adverse weather conditions than Kurz-unten band(K_(u)-band) transmissions, but the power level of C-band transmissionsis restricted in various jurisdictions. If a satellite transmitter movesinto a jurisdiction and is utilizing a band in a manner that isrestricted in the jurisdiction, an operator of the satellite transmitter(or an operator of the vehicle that uses the satellite transmitter) mayface a fine levied by the jurisdiction. To avoid such fines, an operatorof a satellite transmitter may switch between bands (e.g., C-band andK_(u)-band) depending on a location of the satellite transmitter (or thelocation of a vehicle including the satellite transmitter). Manualswitching between satellite bands may be unreliable, because an operatormay forget to switch transmitters when crossing a border into aregulated area (e.g., a ship that crosses from international waters intowaters of a particular country).

SUMMARY

Disclosed are systems and methods for automatically adjusting satellitetransmissions based on a location of a vehicle. The system may belocated, at the vehicle, or remote from the vehicle, and the method maybe performed on-board the vehicle or performed remotely. For example, acomputer (on board the vehicle or remote from the vehicle) mayautomatically select a particular satellite transmission band based on ameasured location of the vehicle.

In a particular embodiment, a method includes receiving geo-fence datacorresponding to a boundary of a jurisdiction at a satellite antennacontroller. The method also includes comparing location data (e.g., asdetermined by a GPS receiver) and the geo-fence data. The satelliteantenna controller is configured to determine operational parameters,such as a transmission frequency band. The satellite antenna controllermay direct actions of one or more satellite transmitters based on theoperational parameters.

In another particular embodiment, a method includes receiving locationdata and geo-fence data at a satellite hub (e.g., a hub station). Basedon a comparison of the location data and the geo-fence data, thesatellite hub may issue commands to a satellite antenna controllerdefining operational parameters (e.g., a frequency band fortransmission) of the satellite antenna controller. For example, thesatellite antenna controller may be located on board a vehicle and thesatellite antenna controller may receive commands from a satellite hubthat is remote from the vehicle.

In another particular embodiment, a processor may execute computerinstructions to perform operations including receiving, at a satellitehub, location data from a satellite antenna controller. The satelliteantenna controller is coupled to a first frequency band satellitetransmitter and to a second frequency band satellite transmitter of avehicle. The operations may further include receiving data related tothe satellite antenna controller, and/or data related to a vehicle thatcarries the satellite controller and the satellite transmitters, whilethe vehicle is en route. The data may include a location of the vehicle,a satellite band being used for transmission, or a combination thereof.The operations may further include storing the data in memory andevaluating the data. The operations further include determining whethera geo-fence database on-board the vehicle is up to date. When thegeo-fence database on-board the vehicle is not up to date, the geo-fencedatabase on-board the vehicle is updated by sending commands or datafrom the satellite hub to the satellite antenna controller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a first embodiment of a system that is operableto control operation of multiple satellite transmitters;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a second embodiment of a system that is operableto control operation of multiple satellite transmitters;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart that illustrates a first embodiment of a method ofcontrolling operation of satellite transmitters;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart that illustrates a second embodiment of a methodof controlling operation of a satellite transmitters; and

FIG. 5 is a flowchart that illustrates a third embodiment of a method ofcontrolling operation of satellite transmitters.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of a generalcomputer system operable to support embodiments of computer-implementedmethods, computer program products, and system components as illustratedin FIGS. 1-5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of a system 100 isshown. FIG. 1 also illustrates a vehicle 114. The vehicle 114 in theillustrated embodiment is a ship that is sailing at sea, such as acruise ship or a freighter. However, the vehicle 114 may be any type ofvehicle, such as a car, a train, an airplane, a blimp, etc., that cancommunicate via satellites.

The vehicle 114 includes a satellite antenna controller 104 coupled to aGlobal Positioning System (GPS) receiver 102. The satellite antennacontroller 104 may be implemented by a computing device including aprocessor and memory that stores computer instructions (e.g., softwareor firmware). In other embodiments, the satellite antenna controller 104may be implemented by hardware. In an alternative embodiment, the GPSreceiver 102 may be replaced by another locating system, such as asystem that triangulates location based on radio waves, radar,microwaves, point-to-point communication, or any combination thereof.

The satellite antenna controller 104 is coupled to a first frequencyband satellite transmitter 110 and to a second frequency band satellitetransmitter 112. For example, the first frequency band satellitetransmitter 110 may be a C-band satellite transmitter and maycommunicate via a C-band satellite link, and the second frequency bandsatellite transmitter 112 may be a K_(u)/K_(a)-band satellitetransmitter that may communicate via a K_(u)/K_(a)-band satellite link.

Alternatively, the first frequency band satellite transmitter 110 andthe second frequency band satellite transmitter 112 may be transceiversor other devices capable of both sending and receiving signals. In aparticular embodiment, the first frequency band satellite transmitter110 may be a C-band small aperture terminal (CSAT) type satellitetransmitter, and the second frequency band satellite transmitter 112 maybe a very small aperture terminal (VSAT) type satellite transmitter. Thevehicle 114 may further include a C-band receiver and a K_(u)/K_(a)-bandreceiver.

The vehicle 114 includes a geo-fence database 106 coupled to thesatellite antenna controller 104. The geo-fence database 106 may be amulti-dimensional database that stores local frequency coordinator rulesor laws, geo-location detection, frequency, preferred modes, or anycombination thereof. The rules may include regulations or a logic-tree.

The first frequency band satellite transmitter 110 communicates via afirst satellite 120 to a C-band transceiver 130. Similarly, the secondfrequency band satellite transmitter 112 communicates via a secondsatellite 122 to a K_(u)/K_(a)-band transceiver 132. The satellites 120,122 may be in geosynchronous orbit or geostationary orbit.

The system 100 further includes a satellite hub 140. The satellite hub140 is coupled to or includes the C-band transceiver 130 and theK_(u)/K_(a)-band transceiver 132. In an alternative embodiment, one orboth of the transceivers 130 and 132 may be replaced with a separatetransmitter and receiver. The satellite hub 140 also includes, or hasaccess to, a master database 142. The satellite hub 140 may be locatedon land or at some other fixed location, such as at an oil platform.

During operation, the satellite antenna controller 104 may receivelocation information from the GPS receiver 102. The location informationmay identify a position of the vehicle 114. Based on the locationinformation, the satellite antenna controller 104 may retrieve geo-fencedata from the geo-fence database 106. The geo-fence data may represent,correspond to, or otherwise indicate, a boundary of a jurisdiction. Forexample, the geo-fence data may represent a maritime boundary thatcorresponds to a demarcation between international waters and waters ofa particular country. As another example, the geo-fence data mayrepresent a boundary within a jurisdiction that has particular rulesgoverning radio transmissions. To illustrate, in the United States(U.S.), C-band transmissions are regulated within 200 kilometers (km) ofthe U.S. coastline. For example, C-band transmissions within 200 km ofthe U.S. coastline are required to be within a small range offrequencies and are required to be coordinated (e.g., according to aregulatory process) to prevent interference.

In addition, or in the alternative, the geo-fence data may represent twoboundaries that define an intended route of the vehicle 114, such as ashipping lane. The intended route may be set by an operator of thevehicle 114 at any time, including while the vehicle 114 is en route.Alternatively, the intended route may be received from the satellite hub140 at any time, including while the vehicle 114 is en route.

The satellite antenna controller 104 may compare the location datareceived from the GPS receiver 102 and the geo-fence data retrieved fromthe geo-fence database 106. Depending on the location of the vehicle114, the comparison may indicate that the vehicle 114 is about to crossa boundary into a jurisdiction. The satellite antenna controller 104 mayautomatically determine operating parameters to conform to thejurisdiction's requirements before the vehicle 114 enters thejurisdiction. The operating parameters may include satellite frequencyband information, such as a selection between transmitting data usingthe first frequency band satellite transmitter 110 or the second bandfrequency satellite transmitter 112. The operating parameters mayfurther define particular transmit and receive frequencies, a symbolrate, a modulation type, a forward error correction configuration, acarrier power level, or any combination thereof, to be used by thevehicle 114 for subsequent data transmission and for processing.

In a particular embodiment, the comparison performed by the satelliteantenna controller 104 includes determining whether the vehicle 114 iswithin a threshold distance of a boundary of a jurisdiction. Forexample, the geo-fence data may correspond to a geo-fence defined by aset of coordinates representing the boundary of the jurisdiction.Alternatively, the set of coordinates may represent a “fence” that is athreshold distance away from the boundary of the jurisdiction. When thecomparison indicates that the vehicle 114 is within the thresholddistance from the boundary, the satellite antenna controller 104 mayselect operating parameters according to rules associated with thegeo-fence data (e.g., rules corresponding to a particular jurisdiction).For example, the satellite antenna controller 104 may select the secondfrequency band satellite transmitter 112 (for K_(u)/K_(a) bandtransmission) when the vehicle 114 is within the threshold distance(e.g., 2 miles) of the boundary (e.g., 200 km from the U.S. coast) andmay select the first frequency band satellite transmitter 110 (forC-band transmission) when the vehicle 114 is not within the thresholddistance of the boundary. In a particular embodiment, the comparison mayindicate that the vehicle 114 has crossed the boundary and entered thejurisdiction.

Once the satellite antenna controller 104 has determined the operatingparameters, the satellite antenna controller 104 may select the firstfrequency band satellite transmitter 110 or the second frequency bandsatellite transmitter 112 based on the operating parameters. Thesatellite antenna controller 104 may also search for a correspondingsatellite (e.g., the satellite 120 or the satellite 122) based on apriority. Further, the satellite antenna controller 104 mayautomatically position an antenna array and continue to search for theselected satellite until communication is established with the satellitehub 140. For example, there may be multiple compatible satellitesoperating on a frequency band used by the selected satellitetransmitter. The satellite antenna controller 104 may automaticallycontrol an antenna array to scan the sky for satellites and to build alist of the compatible satellites. The satellite antenna controller maythen select a particular compatible satellite based on a priority (e.g.,signal strength, distance, etc.) and point the antenna array toward theselected compatible satellite. Transmissions from the vehicle 114 aremade via the selected transmitter according to the operating parameters.Thus, the satellite antenna controller 104 may mitigate monetary finesby automatically changing operational parameters (e.g., transmissionfrequency band and power level) to conform to laws and regulations of ajurisdiction before the vehicle crosses into the jurisdiction.

For example, the vehicle 114 may transmit over the C-band via the firstfrequency band satellite transmitter 110 when at sea, because C-bandtransmissions are less prone to rain fade. However, various countrieshave laws and regulations governing satellite transmissions. Such lawsand regulations may apply in particular areas of or near each country.For example, within 200 km of the U.S., C-band transmissions must becoordinated. Operating an uncoordinated C-band uplink within 200 km ofthe U.S. coastline may lead to fines from the Federal CommunicationsCommission (FCC) or civil law suits. Ku/Ka transmissions do not have thesame restriction in the U.S. and may be operated more freely. Therefore,the system 100 may avoid regulatory fees and civil liability by thesatellite antenna controller 104 automatically switching fromtransmitting via the first frequency band satellite transmitter 110(C-band) to transmitting via the second frequency band satellitetransmitter 112 (K_(u)/K_(a) band) when the comparison of the locationdata from the GPS receiver 102 and the geo-fence data from the geo-fencedatabase 106 indicates that the vehicle 114 is approaching a location200 km from the U.S. coastline. The location of the vehicle 114 may becompared to geo-fence data in real-time (or near real-time) orperiodically (e.g., every minute, every hour, or according to a userdefined period).

The satellite controller 104 may also perform automatic selection of asatellite band transmitter when the vehicle is leaving, or is about toleave, a jurisdiction. For example, when the vehicle is about to move(or has just moved) outside of the 200 km distance from the UScoastline, the satellite controller 104 may automatically switch fromusing the K_(u)/K_(a)-band satellite transmitter 112 to using the C-bandsatellite transmitter 110.

In addition, the satellite antenna controller 104 may assist navigationby providing alerts when the vehicle 114 strays from an intended course.When the geo-fence data represents an intended route, the geo-fence datamay include a first and a second geo-fence defined by a first and asecond set of coordinates. When the location of the vehicle is notbetween the first and the second geo-fence, the comparison may indicatethat the vehicle 114 has strayed from the intended route. When thecomparison indicates that the vehicle 114 has strayed from the intendedroute, the satellite antenna controller 104 may generate an alert. Thealert may be a warning displayed at a navigation system of the vehicle114, a message sent to the satellite hub 140, an electronic message(e.g., e-mail or text message), a recorded message played over an audiosystem of the vehicle 114, an audible alarm, or some other mechanism foralerting operators of the vehicle 114 and/or operators of the satellitehub 140. For example, the alert may be used to notify an operator of thevehicle 114 or a fleet manager that the vehicle 114 has strayed from theintended route. In a particular embodiment, the route may be entirelyincluded within a jurisdiction. For example, the route may be betweentwo points in the US. In an alternate embodiment, the route may includeplaces in multiple jurisdictions (e.g., a cruise route indicating that acruise ship will visit ports in multiple countries, sail ininternational waters between ports, etc.).

Transmissions may be sent from the vehicle 114 to the satellite hub 140.For example, the satellite antenna controller 104 may send the locationdata received from the GPS receiver 102, information from the geo-fencedatabase 106, and the operational parameters to the satellite hub 140.The satellite antenna controller 104 may also send indicators ofreceived signal quality, such as signal strength, packet loss, etc. Thesatellite hub 140 may provide the received data to a regulatoryauthority. In a particular embodiment, the satellite antenna controller104 transmits data to the satellite hub 140 in intervals. The frequencyof the intervals may be determined by the regulatory authority. In someembodiments, the intervals occur once every fifteen minutes.Alternatively, the satellite antenna controller 104 may transmit thedata to the satellite hub 140 in real-time or near real-time. Thesatellite antenna controller 104 may also transmit cached historicaldata (e.g., data captured and stored during a vehicle's trip from astarting location to a destination). The historical data may be used toresolve interference and boundary issues. For example, the historicaldata may indicate that the vehicle 114 is not responsible for radiointerference experienced in a particular location or that the vehicle114 did not enter the territorial waters of a particular nation.

In a particular embodiment, the satellite hub 140 may control operatingparameters of the satellite antenna controller 104 by transmitting datavia the C-band transceiver 130 and/or the K_(u)/K_(a)-band transceiver132 to the satellite antenna controller 104. The data may include one ormore commands instructing the satellite antenna controller 104 to setthe operating parameters according to the commands. In a particularembodiment, the commands from the satellite hub 140 may indicate aselection between transmitting via the first frequency band satellitetransmitter 110 and the second band frequency satellite transmitter 112.The commands may further indicate particular transmit and receivefrequencies, a symbol rate, a modulation type, a forward errorcorrection configuration, a carrier power level, or any combinationthereof. The commands may be generated based on a comparison of thelocation data received from the satellite antenna controller 104 andgeo-fence data retrieved by the satellite hub 140 from the masterdatabase 142.

The satellite hub 140 taking control of the operating parameters of thesatellite antenna controller 104 may be in addition to, or analternative to, the satellite antenna controller 104 determining theoperating parameters. For example, the satellite antenna controller 104may determine the operating parameters based on a comparison of locationinformation and geo-fence data when the satellite antenna controller 104is not in communication with the satellite hub 140. When the satelliteantenna controller 104 is in communication with the satellite hub 140,the satellite hub 140 may monitor and control the operating parameters.Additionally, the satellite hub 140 may take control of other systems ofthe vehicle 114, such as entertainment systems.

In an exemplary embodiment, the comparison performed by the satellitehub 140 includes determining whether the vehicle 114 is within athreshold distance of a boundary represented by the geo-fence datareceived from the master database 142. In another illustrative example,the satellite hub 140 may retrieve data from the master database 142 andmay transmit updated information to the satellite antenna controller104. In a particular embodiment, transmission of the updated informationmay be based on a comparison of information from the geo-fence database106 received from the satellite antenna controller 104 withcorresponding information of the master database 142. For example, theinformation may include a version number or date. The satellite antennacontroller 104 may update the geo-fence database 106 based on the datareceived from the satellite hub 140. For example, a regulatory authoritymay promulgate new regulations within an area and the master database142 may be updated to reflect these changes. The satellite hub 140 mayupdate the geo-fence database 106 from the master database 142 inresponse to the satellite hub 140 receiving geo-fence data from thesatellite antenna controller 104 indicating that the geo-fence database106 is out of date.

In a particular embodiment, the satellite hub 140 may communicate with anumber of other vehicles in addition to the vehicle 114. The satellitehub 140 may receive data from and issue commands and geo-fence databaseupdates to each of the vehicles. Thus, the satellite hub 140 may controlsatellite communications of a vehicle or a fleet of vehicles.Additionally, the satellite hub 140 may automatically adjust variousparameters of systems within the vehicles, such as signal quality andthroughput, position, speed, heading and operating parameters. Thesatellite hub 140 may alert personnel if the vehicle 114 (or othervehicles) deviates from an assigned route or area. Further, multiplesatellite hubs may monitor and control multiple vehicles or multiplefleets of vehicles. For example, a first particular hub may monitor andcontrol vehicles or fleets in the Atlantic Ocean, and a secondparticular hub may manage vehicles or fleets in the Pacific Ocean. Thus,a network of multiple hubs may monitor and control vehicles and fleetsglobally. Automatic control and monitoring of large numbers of vehiclesacross the world may enable operators to achieve significant time andcost savings by automatically adjusting a large number of systems tocomply with a variety of jurisdictional rules.

Referring to FIG. 2, another particular illustrative embodiment of asystem 200 that is operable to automatically change transmissioncharacteristics based on location is shown. The system 200 includesvarious components illustrated in the system 100 of FIG. 1. The system200 is located within a vehicle such as the vehicle 114 of FIG. 1. Thesystem 200 includes the GPS receiver 102, the satellite antennacontroller 104, the first frequency band (C-band) satellite transmitter110, the second frequency band (K_(u)/K_(a)-band) satellite transmitter112, and the geo-fence database 106. The system 200 also includes atransmit/receive switch 216. The transmit/receive switch 216 is coupledbetween the first frequency band satellite transmitter 110 and thesecond frequency band satellite transmitter 112 and is responsive to thesatellite antenna controller 104, as shown. The first frequency bandsatellite transmitter 110 is coupled to a corresponding first antenna210 and the second frequency band satellite transmitter 112 is coupledto a corresponding second antenna 212. In a particular embodiment, thefirst antenna 210 corresponds to a first satellite dish and the secondantenna 212 corresponds to a second satellite dish. For example, thefirst antenna 210 may be implemented as a CSAT antenna and the secondantenna 212 may be implemented as a VSAT antenna.

During operation, the satellite antenna controller 104 may receivelocation information from the GPS receiver 102 and geo-fence data fromthe geo-fence database 106. The geo-fence data may correspond to ajurisdictional boundary, a boundary within a jurisdiction whereparticular rules are in force, or an intended route. Alternatively, thegeo-fence data may correspond to a boundary (or threshold) that is aparticular distance from a jurisdictional boundary. The satelliteantenna controller 104 may compare the location information to thegeo-fence data in order to determine operating parameters. The operatingparameters may include whether to select the first frequency bandsatellite transmitter 110 or the second frequency band satellitetransmitter 112 for transmission. The operating parameters also includetransmit and receive frequencies to be used, a symbol rate, a modulationtype, a forward error correction configuration, a carrier power level,or any combination thereof. For example, the operating parameters may bedetermined based on the jurisdiction within which the vehicle 114 islocated, based on the jurisdiction that the vehicle 114 is approaching,based on the selected satellite technology (e.g., C-band orK_(a)/K_(u)-band), or any combination thereof.

When the satellite antenna controller 104 selects the first frequencyband satellite transmitter 110, the satellite antenna controller 104 maysend a signal 220 to the transmit/receive switch 216 in order to selectthe first frequency band satellite transmitter 110 and to de-select thesecond frequency band satellite transmitter 112. After thetransmit/receive switch 216 selects the first frequency band satellitetransmitter 110, subsequent transmissions made by the system 200 aremade via the first frequency band satellite transmitter 110 and thecorresponding first antenna 210. Alternatively, when the satelliteantenna controller 104 selects the second frequency band satellitetransmitter 112, the transmit/receive switch 216 may disable the firstfrequency band satellite transmitter 110 and may enable the secondfrequency band satellite transmitter 112. In this case, subsequenttransmissions made by the system 200 are made by the second frequencyband satellite transmitter 112 and the corresponding second antenna 212.

The system 200 may enable an operator of a moving satellitecommunications system to mitigate fines by adjusting operatingparameters to conform to laws and regulations of a jurisdiction.Additionally, the system 200 may alert the operator when the movingsatellite communications system strays from an intended route.

Referring to FIG. 3, a particular illustrative embodiment of a method ofselecting frequency band is depicted and generally designated 300. Themethod 300 may be performed by a communications system, such as thesystem 100 of FIG. 1. The method 300 includes starting up a shipboardsystem, at 302. The shipboard system may include the satellite antennacontroller 104 of FIG. 1. The method 300 includes determining a currentposition using a GPS receiver, at 304. The GPS receiver may correspondto the GPS receiver 102 of FIG. 1. The method 300 also includes using Cand K_(u)/K_(a) antennas to search for viable satellites based ongeo-fence data from a shipboard geo-fence database 340, at 306. The Cand K_(u)/K_(a) antennas may correspond to antennas 210, 212 of FIG. 2.Further, the shipboard geo-fence database 340 may correspond to thegeo-fence database 106 of FIG. 1.

The method 300 determines whether a satellite network is acquired, at308. When no satellite network is acquired, the method 300 returns to304. When a satellite network is acquired, the method 300 proceeds tostep 310, where a modem sends GPS coordinates and operational metrics toa master geo-fence database 342 (e.g., at a hub) and to a database 360.The operational metrics may include a transmit frequency band, transmitand receive frequencies, a symbol rate, modulation, a forward errorcorrection configuration, a carrier power level, a receive signalquality, or any combination thereof. The hub may correspond to thesatellite hub 140 of FIG. 1, and the master geo-fence database 342 maycorrespond to the master database 140 of FIG. 1.

Advancing to 350, the hub determines if the shipboard geo-fence database340 matches the master geo-fence database 342. For example, thesatellite hub 140 of FIG. 1 may determine if a version number or date ofthe geo-fence database 106 matches a version number or date of themaster database 142. When the shipboard geo-fence database 340 matchesthe master geo-fence database 342, the hub validates the stored data. Inaddition, or in the alternative, data within the geo-fence database 106(e.g., a record) may be validated based on corresponding data (e.g., acorresponding record) within the master database 142. When the shipboardgeo-fence database does not match the master geo-fence database, the hubupdates the shipboard geo-fence database and proceeds to step 306.

Referring to FIG. 4, a particular embodiment of a method 400 ofautomatically selecting a satellite antenna for transmission is shown.The method 400 may be performed by a satellite antenna controller, suchas the satellite antenna controller 104 of FIG. 1. The method 400includes receiving location information from a GPS receiver, at 402. Forexample, the satellite antenna controller 104 of FIG. 1 may receivelocation information from the GPS receiver 102. The method 400 furtherincludes receiving geo-fence data from a geo-fence database based on thelocation information, at 404. The geo-fence data corresponds to aboundary jurisdiction. For example, the satellite antenna controller 104of FIG. 1 may receive geo-fence data from the geo-fence database 106based on the location information received from the GPS receiver 102.The geo-fence data may correspond to a boundary within whichcommunications are regulated, such as 200 km from a shoreline of theU.S.

The method 400 includes comparing the location data and the geo-fencedata, at 406. For example, the satellite antenna controller 104 of FIG.1 may compare the location data and the geo-fence data to determinewhether the location data indicates that the vehicle 114 is at alocation within a particular threshold distance of the boundarydescribed by the geo-fence data (e.g., a location approaching 200 kmfrom the U.S. shoreline). The method 400 includes selecting between afirst band satellite frequency transmitter and a second frequency bandsatellite transmitter based on the comparison, at 408. For example, thesatellite antenna controller 104 of FIG. 1 may select theK_(a)/K_(u)-band transmitter 112 when the location data indicates thatthe vehicle 114 is near 200 km from the shoreline of the U.S.Furthermore, the satellite frequency transmitter 104 of FIG. 1 mayselect the C-band satellite transmitter 110 when the location dataindicates that the vehicle 114 is outside of 200 km from the shorelineof the U.S. Thus, the method 400 may enable a vehicle to mitigate finesby automatically adjusting transmission parameters based on a locationof the vehicle.

Referring to FIG. 5, a method 500 for remotely managing a satelliteantenna controller, such as the satellite antenna controller 104 FIG. 1,is shown. The method 500 includes receiving location information from acontroller coupled to a first frequency band satellite transmitter andto a second frequency band satellite transmitter at a vehicle, at 502.For example, the satellite hub 140 of FIG. 1 may receive locationinformation from the satellite antenna controller 104 of the vehicle114. The method 500 further includes receiving geo-fence data from ageo-fence database based on the location information, at 504. Thegeo-fence data corresponds to a boundary of a jurisdiction, at 504. Forexample, the satellite hub 140 may receive geo-fence data based on thelocation information from the master database 142. The geo-fence datamay correspond to a boundary of a jurisdiction.

The method 500 includes comparing the location data and the geo-fencedata, at 506. For example, the satellite hub 140 may compare thelocation data and the geo-fence data to determine whether the vehicle114 is within a threshold distance of the boundary described by (orcorresponding to) the geo-fence data. The method 500 further includes,based on the comparison, sending commands to the controller based on therequirements of the jurisdiction, at 508. The commands indicate aselection between the first frequency band satellite transmitter and thesecond frequency band satellite transmitter. For example, when thevehicle 114 is within the threshold distance of the geo-fence, thesatellite hub 140 may send a command to the satellite antenna controller104 indicating that the satellite antenna controller 104 should selectthe K_(u)/K_(a)-band satellite transmitter 112. When the vehicle 114 isnot within the threshold distance of the geo-fence, the satellite hub140 may send a command to the satellite antenna controller 104indicating that the satellite antenna controller 104 should select theC-band satellite transmitter 110.

The method 500 includes receiving data, while the vehicle is en route,from the controller, at 510. For example, the satellite hub 140 mayreceive GPS coordinates and operational metrics. The operational metricsmay include a transmit frequency band, transmit and receive frequencies,a symbol rate, modulation, a forward error correction configuration, acarrier power level, a receive signal quality, or any combinationthereof. The data may be received at particular intervals, such as onceevery fifteen minutes. Further, the intervals may be set by a regulatoryauthority of a jurisdiction. The method 500 includes storing the data inmemory, at 512. For example, the satellite hub 140 may store theinformation received from the satellite antenna controller 104 inmemory. The stored data (or derived data, such as reports or aggregatedstatistics) may be transmitted to the regulatory authority. Thus, themethod 500 may enable a hub to mitigate fines incurred by vehicles of afleet by automatically controlling transmission parameters of thevehicles and by automatically complying with reporting requirements ofone or more jurisdictions.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computing environment 600 including acomputing device 610 that is operable to support embodiments ofcomputer-implemented methods, computer program products, and systemcomponents according to the present disclosure.

The computing device 610 includes at least one processor 620 and asystem memory 630. For example, the computing device 610 may be adesktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a server, or anyother fixed or mobile computing device. Depending on the configurationand type of computing device, the system memory 630 may be volatile(such as random access memory or “RAM”), non-volatile (such as read-onlymemory or “ROM,” flash memory, and similar memory devices that maintainstored data even when power is not provided), some combination thereof,or some other memory. The system memory 630 may include an operatingsystem 632 and program data 638. The program data 638 may includeinstructions to set operating parameters based on a location of avehicle, such as the vehicle 114 of FIG. 1.

The computing device 610 may also have additional features orfunctionality. For example, the computing device 610 may also includeremovable and/or non-removable additional data storage devices, such asmagnetic disks, optical disks, tape, and memory cards. Such additionalstorage is illustrated in FIG. 6 by a database 640. For example, thedatabase 640 may be the geo-fence database 106 or the master database142 of FIG. 1 and may store geo-fence data and associated rules.Computer-readable or processor-readable storage media may includevolatile and/or non-volatile storage and removable and/or non-removablemedia implemented in any technology for storage of information such ascomputer-readable instructions, data structures, program components orother data. The system memory 630 and the database 640 are examples ofcomputer storage media. The computer storage media includes, but is notlimited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-onlymemory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, compact disks(CD), digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magneticstorage devices, and other non-transitory media that can be used tostore information and that can be accessed by the computing device 610.Any such computer storage media may be part of the computing device 610.

The computing device 610 may also have one or more input devices, suchas an external device 662 connected via one or more input interfaces660. The external device may be the GPS receiver 102 of FIG. 1. One ormore output devices, such as an illustrative display device 692,speakers, a printer, etc. may also be connected to the computing device610 via one or more output interfaces 670. The input interfaces 660 andthe output interfaces 670 may each include one or more wired or wirelessinterfaces, such as a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a videographics array (VGA) interface, a serial interface, a digital visualinterface (DVI), a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), or someother interface.

The computing device 610 has one or more communication interfaces 680that enable the computing device 610 to communicate via a firsttransceiver 682 and a second transceiver 684. The first transceiver 682may correspond to the first frequency band transmitter 110 of FIG. 1 andthe second transceiver 684 may correspond to the second frequency bandtransmitter 112 of FIG. 1. Alternatively, the first transceiver 682 maycorrespond to the C-band transceiver 130 of FIG. 1 and the secondtransceiver 684 may correspond to the K_(a)/K_(u)-band transceiver 132of FIG. 1.

Particular embodiments of disclosed techniques may be implemented inconjunction with a client-server architecture. To illustrate, thecomputing device 610 may be an application server or other server thathosts the satellite hub 140 of FIG. 1. A client (e.g., the satelliteantenna controller 104 of FIG. 1) may operate a client computing devicethat transmits data to the server, where the server receives the datavia the first transceiver 682 or the second transceiver 684. Inresponse, the server may store the data in the system memory 630.Additionally, the server may transmit commands to the client computingdevice via the first transceiver 682 or the second transceiver 684.Alternately, the computing device 610 may represent a client computingdevice, such as the satellite antenna controller 104 of FIG. 1.

Alternative embodiments may be implemented in conjunction with astand-alone architecture. For example, the computer device 610 may hostthe satellite antenna controller 104 of FIG. 1. The program data 638 mayinclude instructions to compare a location received from the externaldevice 662 (e.g., the GPS receiver 102 of FIG. 1) to a geo-fenceretrieved from the database 640. The program data 638 may containfurther instructions to configure operating parameters of thecommunication interface 680 and to select either the first transceiver682 or the second transceiver 684 based on the comparison.

It will be appreciated that not all of the components or devicesillustrated in FIG. 6 or otherwise described in the previous paragraphsare necessary to support embodiments as herein described. It will alsobe appreciated that the computing device 610 may have additional ordifferent components or devices than illustrated in FIG. 6 or otherwisedescribed in the previous paragraphs.

Although the exemplary embodiments described herein are intended toenable a person skilled in the art to practice such embodiments, itshould be understood that other embodiments may be realized and thatlogical and physical changes may be made without departing from thescope of the present disclosure. Thus, the detailed description hereinis presented for purposes of illustration only.

In one embodiment, portions of the present disclosure may be implementedusing a system that includes a software module, logic engines, computerhardware, databases, and/or computer networks. Moreover, while thedescription may make reference to specific technologies, systemarchitectures, and data management techniques, it will be appreciatedthat other devices and/or methods that use different technologies,architectures, or techniques may be implemented without departing fromthe scope of the disclosure. This disclosure is intended to cover anyand all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments.

The Abstract is not intended to be used in interpreting or limiting thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, the disclosure is not to beinterpreted as indicating that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Thus, the presentdisclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown hereinbut is to be accorded the widest scope possible consistent with theprinciples and novel features as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving location data froma global positioning system receiver coupled to a satellite controller;retrieving geo-fence data from a geo-fence database, the geo-fence datacorresponding to a boundary of a jurisdiction; and comparing thelocation data and the geo-fence data at the satellite controller,wherein the satellite controller is configured to automatically select afirst frequency band satellite transmitter or a second frequency bandsatellite transmitter based on the comparison.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the satellite controller, the geo-fence database, the globalpositioning system receiver, the first band satellite frequencytransmitter, and the second band satellite frequency transmitter arelocated on a vehicle.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein a result ofcomparing the location data to the geo-fence data indicates that thevehicle entered or is about to enter a particular jurisdiction.
 4. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the satellite controller automaticallyswitches from the first frequency band satellite transmitter to thesecond frequency band satellite transmitter upon detecting that thevehicle is approaching a particular distance from a U.S. coastline. 5.The method of claim 2, wherein the first frequency band satellitetransmitter includes a K_(a)/K_(u)-band satellite transmitter and thesecond frequency band satellite transmitter includes a C-band satellitetransmitter, and wherein the vehicle is a ship.
 6. The method of claim5, wherein the satellite controller automatically selects the firstfrequency band satellite transmitter or the second frequency bandsatellite transmitter in response to detecting that the vehicle hasexited a particular jurisdiction.
 7. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: selecting the first frequency band satellite transmitterwhen the location data is within a threshold distance of the geo-fencedata; and selecting the second frequency band satellite transmitter whenthe location data is not within the threshold distance of the geo-fencedata.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the selected frequency bandsatellite transmitter is used to communicate via a satellite to a hubstation.
 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: receiving updatedgeo-fence data from the hub station; and updating the geo-fence databaseaccording to the updated geo-fence data.
 10. The method of claim 1,wherein the boundary of the jurisdiction corresponds to a boundary of anation.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the boundary of thejurisdiction corresponds to a government regulated area.
 12. The methodof claim 1, wherein the geo-fence database includes data related tomultiple jurisdictional boundaries.
 13. The method of claim 1, whereinthe satellite controller selects operational parameters based on rulescorresponding to a particular jurisdiction.
 14. The method of claim 1,wherein the satellite controller automatically changes operationalparameters based on laws or regulations of a jurisdiction.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the operational parameters comprise asatellite transmitter frequency band or power level.
 16. A methodcomprising: at a hub station, receiving location data from a satelliteantenna controller coupled to a first frequency band satellitetransmitter and to a second frequency band satellite transmitter of avehicle; retrieving geo-fence data from a geo-fence database, thegeo-fence data corresponding to a boundary of a jurisdiction; comparingthe location data and the geo-fence data; and based on the comparison,sending at least one command to the satellite antenna controller basedon a requirement of the jurisdiction, wherein the at least one commandindicates a selection of the first band satellite frequency transmitteror the second band satellite frequency transmitter.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the at least one command further indicates a transmitfrequency, a receive frequency, a symbol rate, a modulation type, aforward error correction configuration, or any combination thereof. 18.The method of claim 16, further comprising: receiving data related tothe satellite antenna controller or the vehicle while the vehicle is enroute, wherein the data includes a location, a satellite transmissionband, or any combination thereof; and storing the data in a memory. 19.The method of claim 18, wherein the data further includes a symbol rate,a modulation type, a forward error correction configuration, a carrierpower level, or any combination thereof.
 20. The method of claim 16,wherein the hub station is land based.